Scripture for today , the 5th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21: 1-5; John 13: 31-35 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
In A Word
Sometimes just a few words can make more of an impact than a long discourse. In fact, as a message is condensed, the essential point usually becomes clearer.
God’s Word today tells us the essential point of Jesus’ legacy: “Love one another as I have loved you.”(John)
In our everyday lives we continue Jesus’ ministry as we put love into action, “wiping away tears…making things new.”(Revelation)
Yet, as we may have experienced, living this way can involve difficulties and sometimes even hardships (Acts of the Apostles).
In the midst of our life’s journey, God’s Word reminds us that God dwells with us; God is always present with us.
This wonderful image of God’s relationship with us as One who is at home with us, wiping away our tears, making all things new (Revelation) can strengthen us on life’s journey and help us keep essential matters in focus.
To think about: Do I try to remember that God is always with me, caring about me, accepting me, loving me...regardless of how I feel or how trivial my job may seem to me or to others?
Do I envision God as One who is at home with me?
When it’s hard for me to show love, do I just give up, or do I ask Jesus to help me to love as he loves?
Can I see some of the routine aspects of my life and my responsibilities as ways of helping God’s love grow in the world now?
To do: Notice examples of love that are right before your eyes: the many ways that people try to “wipe away tears”, or help those who are mourning or in pain.
Look beyond your own needs and take time to encourage someone who is discouraged and experiences difficulty showing love.
Show love to someone you find hard to love, perhaps by being more patient, by trying to listen, or by doing some small act of kindness.
Call, write or e-mail someone who touched your life with their love, and thank them!
Use one or two words of praise or thanks often during the day instead of using many words.
To pray: Use just one word like "Welcome" to remember that God is always with you. Or try "Thanks" as you remember people who have loved you in your ife.
Next week: 6th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 15:22-29; Revelation 21: 10-14; John 14: 23-29
Friday, April 30, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
"Signs of Life All Around Us": Reflection for the 4th Sunday of the Easter Season, April 25, 2010
"Signs of Life All Around Us": Reflection for the 4th Sunday of the Easter Season.
Today's Scripture: Acts of the Apostles 13: 43-52; Revelation 7:14-17; John 10: 27-30 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Signs of new life can continue to flourish and amaze us if we take time to notice. Availability of water and light encourages this abundance of renewed life in nature. Often as the hours of light increase, we even feel our own spirits lighten!
God’s Word today reminds us that God’s life-in-us calls us to help life flourish in our world. Our Easter renewal of our Baptismal commitment reminds us that we have been lead to “springs of life-giving water” (Revelation).
In turn, we are called to respond with renewed awareness to this gift by the way that we live.
Like the Good Shepherd in today's Gospel reading (John), we bring life to our world in many ways.
God's Word “I have made you a light” (Acts) reminds each of us of our personal call to make a difference.
To think about: Do I ever think about God’s life within me as alive and growing?
Do I have life-giving images of God?
Does my life show that I believe in God as the God of life?
Do I let God’s presence influence the way I treat others, listen to them, help them, console them, or take care of them?
Do I bring my awareness of renewed life to environmental issues?
To do: Be aware of the ways you and members of your family help bring God’s life and light to your world in the simple, everyday things you do, including the ways that you make environmentally based decisions.
Decide on one area of your life where you see a need for God’s life to grow, and be attentive to the person in that situation during the week.
Pray for children who are celebrating First Eucharist at this time of year, that they will see Jesus as a Giver of Life, a Shepherd who knows and cares about each person.
Enjoy the life and energy of young people when you are with them.
To pray: Hear God say to you, “I have made you, (insert your own name), a light.” (Acts)
Next week: 5th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21: 1-5; John 13: 31-35
Today's Scripture: Acts of the Apostles 13: 43-52; Revelation 7:14-17; John 10: 27-30 can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
Signs of new life can continue to flourish and amaze us if we take time to notice. Availability of water and light encourages this abundance of renewed life in nature. Often as the hours of light increase, we even feel our own spirits lighten!
God’s Word today reminds us that God’s life-in-us calls us to help life flourish in our world. Our Easter renewal of our Baptismal commitment reminds us that we have been lead to “springs of life-giving water” (Revelation).
In turn, we are called to respond with renewed awareness to this gift by the way that we live.
Like the Good Shepherd in today's Gospel reading (John), we bring life to our world in many ways.
God's Word “I have made you a light” (Acts) reminds each of us of our personal call to make a difference.
To think about: Do I ever think about God’s life within me as alive and growing?
Do I have life-giving images of God?
Does my life show that I believe in God as the God of life?
Do I let God’s presence influence the way I treat others, listen to them, help them, console them, or take care of them?
Do I bring my awareness of renewed life to environmental issues?
To do: Be aware of the ways you and members of your family help bring God’s life and light to your world in the simple, everyday things you do, including the ways that you make environmentally based decisions.
Decide on one area of your life where you see a need for God’s life to grow, and be attentive to the person in that situation during the week.
Pray for children who are celebrating First Eucharist at this time of year, that they will see Jesus as a Giver of Life, a Shepherd who knows and cares about each person.
Enjoy the life and energy of young people when you are with them.
To pray: Hear God say to you, “I have made you, (insert your own name), a light.” (Acts)
Next week: 5th Sunday of the Easter Season: Acts 14: 21-27; Revelation 21: 1-5; John 13: 31-35
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